Shelf for an appliance

ABSTRACT

A spill proof shelf and a refrigerator using the same are disclosed. The shelf has a glass plate formed through a glass-slumping process. The shelf also has a metal bracket coupled to the plate for supporting the plate. The bracket provides an interface of the shelf with the refrigerator. The plate has a lower planar portion and an upper planar portion surrounding the lower planar portion. The upper planar portion is smoothly transitioned to the lower planar portion through the glass-slumping process, to define a central recess. The plate also has a side portion extending perpendicularly from the upper planar portion. In case food or beverage spill occurs, it will be confined in the recess.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application Ser. No. relates to the application entitled SLUMPED GLASS SPILL PROOF SHELF FOR AN APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A SHELF, attorney docket no. 237978, filed ______.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to shelf assemblies for appliances such as refrigerators and, more particularly, to spill proof refrigerator shelves which do not require a traditional plastic frame while still maintaining a satisfactory structural integrity and spill proof functionality of the products.

A refrigerator typically includes a number of shelves for the storage of food and beverage containers of a variety of shapes and sizes. As the containers are retrieved, returned and rearranged on the shelves, occasional leaks and spilling of food and liquid may occur. Extensive cleanup efforts are required since the spill will commonly flow down through the compartment, from shelf to shelf. Therefore, it is desirable to provide containment implements for the refrigerator to limit the area of such a spill.

Traditionally, a spill proof shelf of a refrigerator requires a plastic frame, a glass pane supported by the frame, and one or more metal support brackets which engage the frame and also mate with the cant tracks of the refrigerator. The cost for molding the plastic frame, including the cost for manufacturing a mold for the frame and the cost for assembling the frame with the glass pane and the support brackets, is high. Furthermore, the plastic frame impedes the lighting of the refrigerator. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a refrigerator shelf, which does not require the frame while still maintaining the structural integrity and the spill proof functionality of the shelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described herein, the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention overcome one or more of the above or other disadvantages known in the art.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a shelf for a refrigerator. The shelf includes a plate having a lower planar portion and an upper planar portion substantially surrounding the lower planar portion to define a central recess. The plate further includes at least one side portion extending downwardly from the upper planar portion. The shelf further includes at least one bracket coupled to the plate for supporting the plate.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes at least one storing compartment and at least one shelf disposed in the compartment. The shelf includes a plate having a lower planar portion and an upper planar portion substantially surrounding the lower planar portion to define a central recess. The plate further includes at least one side portion extending downwardly from the upper planar portion. The shelf further includes at least one bracket coupled to the plate for supporting the plate.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a refrigerator shelf according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the shelf along Lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a refrigerator shelf according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the shelf along Lines 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative perspective view of a refrigerator shelf according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the shelf along Lines 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative perspective view of a refrigerator shelf according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the shelf along Lines 8-8 in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It is contemplated that the teaching of the description set forth below is applicable to all types of refrigeration appliances, including but not limited to household refrigerators. The present invention is therefore not intended to be limited to any particular refrigeration apparatus or configuration described in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a refrigerator shelf 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the shelf 10 along Lines 2-2 in FIG. 1.

The shelf 10 is mounted in a storing compartment of a refrigerator, for supporting thereon food or beverage containers. The shelf 10 includes a plate 100 and at least one bracket 200 (only one bracket 200 is shown in FIG. 1) coupled to the plate 100 for supporting the plate 100. The plate 100 is capable of supporting food or beverage containers. The bracket 200 is mountable to a wall of the refrigerator to place the shelf 10 in a proper position, such as a horizontal position in the refrigerator. For example, the bracket 200 mates the cant tracks in the refrigerator.

The plate 100 includes an upper planar portion 120 and a lower planar portion 140 substantially surrounded by the upper planar portion 120. The upper planar portion 120 is smoothly transitioned to the lower planar portion 140 through a curved portion 150. The upper planar portion 120 and the lower planar portion 140 define a central recess 160. In the event leaks and spilling of the food or beverage occurs, the spilled solid or liquid would be confined in the recess 160.

The plate 100 further includes at least one side portion 170 extending downwardly from the upper planar portion 120. The side portion 170 and upper planar portion 120 form an angle α, which is in the range between 0° and 180°. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the side portion 170 extends substantially perpendicularly from the upper planar portion 120, such that the angle α is approximately 90°. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the relative position between the side portion and the upper planar portion can vary depending on the specific design of the shelf.

Optionally, the plate 100 includes a front rim 180 curved downwardly from the front edge of the upper planar portion 120. The rim 180 serves as a handle for a user to grab the plate 100.

In the shown embodiment, the plate 100 is an integral glass pane formed through a glass-slumping process. In such a process, a flat piece of float glass is heated to a temperature just below the transition temperature for glass and thus allowed to take the form of a mold. By means of the glass-slumping process, the upper planar portion 120 is smoothly transitioned to the lower planar portion 140 through the curved portion 150, thereby defining the recess 160. Pressure can be added to adjust the curvature of the curved portion 150. Furthermore, the glass plate 100 does not impede the lighting of the refrigerator. Suitable transparent or translucent material, other than glass, can also be used in place or in addition to glass.

The bracket 200 can be of any suitable type, which includes standard features mating with, for example, the cant tracks of a refrigerator. The bracket 200 includes an inner wall 210 and an outer wall 220, connected to each other through a bottom wall 230. The inner wall 210 and the outer wall 220 are substantially parallel to each other and spaced from each other by a fixed distance sufficient to receive the side portion 170.

Accordingly, a space S is provided between the inner wall 210 and the outer wall 220, into which the lower end 172 of the side portion 170 is inserted. The space S is dimensioned to pinch the lower end 172 of the side portion 170, to prevent the plate 100 from undesirable movement.

Optionally, the inner wall 210 can be provided with a sloped terminal portion 212, which extends inwardly and upwardly from the inner wall 210. The sloped terminal portion 212 facilitates insertions of the lower end 172 into the space S.

The bracket 200 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials, including but not limited to, metal such as steel. Furthermore, the number, position and configuration of the bracket can be changed depending on the specific design of the refrigerator.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator shelf 20 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the shelf 10, the shelf 20 includes a plate 300 and at least one bracket 400 supporting the plate 300 (only one bracket 400 is shown in FIG. 3).

The plate 300 is capable of supporting food or beverage containers. The bracket 400 is mountable to a wall of the refrigerator to place the shelf 20 in a proper position. For example, the bracket 400 mates the cant tracks in the refrigerator.

The plate 300 includes an upper planar portion 320 and a lower planar portion 340 substantially surrounded by the upper planar-portion 320. The upper planar portion 320 is smoothly transitioned to the lower planar portion 340 through a curved portion 350. The upper planar portion 320 and the lower planar portion 340 define a central recess 360. In the event leaks and spilling of the food or beverage occurs, the spilled solid or liquid would be confined in the recess 360.

The plate 300 further includes at least one side portion 370 extending downwardly from the upper planar portion 320. The side portion 370 and upper planar portion 320 form an angle β, which is in the range between 0° and 180°. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the side portion 370 extends substantially perpendicularly from the upper planar portion 320, such that the angle β is approximately 90°. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the relative position between the side portion and the upper planar portion can vary depending on the specific design of the shelf.

Optionally, the plate 300 includes a front rim 380 curved downwardly from the front edge of the upper planar portion 320. The rim 380 serves as a handle for a user to grab the plate 300.

Similar to the previously described plate 100, the plate 300 is an integral glass pane formed through a glass-slumping process.

In the shown embodiment, the bracket 400 includes a top wall 410, on which the upper planar portion 320 of the plate 300 sits, and a depending wall 420 extending downwardly from the top wall 410 and adjacent or in contact with the side portion 370 of the plate 300. For example, the depending wall 420 is substantially parallel to the side portion 370 of the plate 300.

The bracket 400 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials, including but not limited to, metal such as steel. Furthermore, the number, position and configuration of the bracket can be changed depending on the specific design of the refrigerator.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the shelf 20 along Lines 4-4 in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, preferably the shelf 20 further includes at least one stopper 500 (only one stopper 500 is shown in FIG. 3) integrally formed with the upper planar portion 320, for example, through a glass-slumping process. In the shown embodiment, the stopper 500 is preferably located at the rear edge of the upper planar portion 320. The stopper 500 extends downward so that it can engage the rear edge of the top wall 410 of the bracket 400. Thus, the stopper 500 prevents the plate 300 from being slid forwardly by its interference with the rear edge of the top wall 410 of the bracket 400. The stopper may be located in other places. For example, it may be integrally formed with the rear edge of the side portion 370 of the plate 300.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a refrigerator shelf 30 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The shelf 30 is disposed in a storing compartment of a refrigerator. Similar to the previously described shelves 10 and 20, the shelf 30 includes a plate 600 and at least one bracket 700 supporting the plate 600.

The plate 600 is capable of supporting food or beverage containers. The bracket 700 is mountable to a wall of the refrigerator to place the shelf 30 in a proper position. For example, the bracket 700 mates the cant tracks in the refrigerator.

The plate 600 includes an upper planar portion 620 and a lower planar portion 640 substantially surrounded by the upper planar portion 620. The upper planar portion 620 is smoothly transitioned to the lower planar portion 640 through a curved portion 650. The upper planar portion 620 and the lower planar portion 640 define a central recess 660. In the event leaks and spilling of the food or beverage occurs, the spilled solid or liquid would be confined in the recess 660.

The plate 600 further includes at least one side portion 670 extending downwardly from the upper planar portion 620. The side portion 670 and upper planar portion 620 form an angle Φ, which is in the range between 0° and 180°. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the side portion 370 extends substantially perpendicularly from the upper planar portion 320, such that the angle Φ is approximately 90°. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the relative position between the side portion and the upper planar portion can vary depending on the specific design of the shelf.

Optionally, the plate 600 includes a front rim 680 curved downwardly from the front edge of the upper planar portion 620. The rim 680 serves as a handle for a user to grab the plate 600.

The bracket 700 includes a top wall 710, on which the upper planar portion 620 of the plate 600 sits, and a depending wall 720 extending downwardly from the top wall 710 and adjacent to or in contact with the side portion 670 of the plate 600. For example, the depending wall 720 is substantially parallel to the side portion 670 of the plate 600.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the shelf 30 along Lines 6-6 in FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the shelf 30 further includes features for implementing a slidable shelf, such that a user can slide the plate 600 relative to the bracket 700, laterally along the directions indicated by arrows Y-Y′ in FIG. 5. Accordingly, it is convenient to the user to handle the food or beverage containers supported on the shelf.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bracket 700 includes an elongated lateral slot 730 formed through the depending wall 720 of the bracket 700, along the lateral direction indicted by the arrows Y-Y′. As shown in FIG. 6, the side portion 670 of the plate 600 includes a through hole 690 in substantial alignment with the elongated lateral slot 730, such that a fixing member is capable of extending through both the elongated lateral slot 730 and the through hole 690.

The shelf 30 further includes a fixing member 800, which includes but is not limited to a pin, a screw and so on. The fixing member 800 includes a shaft 810 extending through the elongated lateral slot 730 and the through hole 690. The fixing member 800 further includes a pair of expanded heads 820 and 830, disposed at the opposite ends of the shaft 810. For example, the fixing member can be an elongated malleable metal material having a sufficient lateral length. In operation, the elongated malleable metal material is first inserted through the lateral slot 730 and the through hole 690. Subsequently, both ends of the material extending outside of the lateral slot 730 and the through hole 690 are pressed to provide expanded heads to pinch the shelf and bracket. Alternatively, the shaft 810 can be a threaded bolt extending through the elongated lateral slot 730 and the through hole 690; and the pair of expanded heads 820 and 830 can be threaded nuts for mating with the bolt. In operation, the bolt is deployed to extend through both the elongated lateral slot 730 and the through hole 690 first. Subsequently, the nuts are rotated onto the ends of the bolt, to press against the depending wall 720 of the bracket 700 and the side portion 670 of the plate 600, respectively. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the fixing member is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

Through the interaction between the shaft 810 and the through hole 690, the fixing member 800 and the plate 600 move simultaneously. The elongated lateral slot 730 allows the fixing member 800 to move laterally within the elongated lateral slot 730. Accordingly, once the fixing member 800 is assembled to the plate 600 and the bracket 700, a user is able to slide the plate 600 laterally along the slot 730 to conveniently access the food or beverage containers supported by the plate 600.

Alternatively, a fixing member, extending through the elongated lateral slot 730, can be attached to the side portion 670. For example, the fixing member can be glued to the side portion 670. In this case, there is no need to form a through hole in the side portion 670 of the plate 600.

Optionally, in order to enhance the strength of the bracket 700, a cross-brace (not shown) can be attached to the depending wall 720 of the bracket 700.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a shelf 40 according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the shelves 10, 20 and 30, the shelf 40 includes a plate 900 and at least one bracket 1000 supporting the plate 900.

The plate 900 is capable of supporting food or beverage containers. The bracket 1000 is mountable to a wall of the refrigerator to locate the shelf 40 in a proper position within a compartment of refrigerator. For example, the bracket 1000 mates the cant tracks the refrigerator.

The plate 900 includes an upper planar portion 920 and a lower planar portion 940 substantially surrounded by the upper planar portion 920. The upper planar portion 920 is smoothly transitioned to the lower planar portion 940 through a curved portion 950. The upper planar portion 920 and the lower planar portion 940 define a central recess 960. In the event leaks and spilling of the food or beverage occurs, the spilled solid or liquid would be confined in the recess 960.

The plate 900 further includes at least one side portion 970 extending downwardly from the upper planar portion 920. The side portion 970 and upper planar portion 920 form an angle γ, which is in the range between 0° and 180°. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the side portion 370 extends substantially perpendicularly from the upper planar portion 320, such that the angle γ is approximately 90°. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the relative position between the side portion and the upper planar portion can vary depending on the specific design of the shelf.

Optionally, the plate 900 includes a front rim 980 curved downwardly from the upper planar portion 920. The rim 980 serves as a handle for a user to grab the plate 900.

The bracket 1000 includes a top wall 1010, on which the upper planar portion 920 of the plate 900 sits, and a depending wall 1020 extending downwardly from the top wall 1010 and adjacent or in contact with the side portion 970 of the plate 900. For example, the depending wall 1020 is substantially parallel to the side portion 970 of the plate 900.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the shelf 40 along Lines 8-8 in FIG. 7. The side portion 970 of the plate 900 includes at least one through hole 980, and the depending wall 1020 of the bracket 1000 includes at least one through hole 1030, in substantially alignment with the through hole 980.

The shelf 40 further includes a fixing member 1100, having a central shaft 1110 and a pair of expanded heads 1120 and 1130 disposed at either end of the shaft 1110. The shaft 1110 is adapted to pass through both the through hole 1030 of the bracket 1000 and the through hole 980 of the plate 900. The fixing member 1100 can be handled to allow the expanded heads 1120 and 1130 to firmly compress the depending wall 1020 of the bracket 1000 and the side portion 970 of the plate 900, respectively. Thus, the plate 900 and the bracket 1000 are assembled to each other to provide a fixed shelf in the refrigerator. For example, the fixing member 1100 can be same or similar to the fixing member 800 described previously. A person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the fixing member can vary from those shown in these embodiments. The fixing member includes but is not limited to a pin, a screw and so on.

The through hole 1030 of the bracket 1000 and the through hole 980 of the plate 900 can assume any suitable shape, such as circular through holes. In order to enhance the fixation of the bracket 1000 to the plate 900, a supplemental fixing member 1200, similar to the fixing member 1100, may be added, in a similar manner.

Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to various specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the apparatus illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. A shelf comprising: a plate comprising a lower planar portion and an upper planar portion substantially surrounding the lower planar portion to define a central recess, the plate further comprising at least one side portion extending downwardly from the upper planar portion; and at least one bracket coupled to the plate for supporting the plate.
 2. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a glass pane, the lower planar portion, the upper planar portion and the at least one side portion of the glass pane being formed through a glass-slumping process.
 3. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the at least one side portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the upper planar portion.
 4. The shelf of claim 3, wherein the bracket comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and a bottom wall connecting the inner wall and the outer wall.
 5. The shelf of claim 4, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are substantially parallel to the at least one side portion of the plate and spaced from each other, for defining a space to receive the at least one side portion.
 6. The shelf of claim 5, wherein the inner wall of the bracket comprises a sloped terminal portion extending inwardly and upwardly from the inner wall.
 7. The shelf of claim 1 further comprising a cross-brace attached to the bracket for enhancing the strength of a depending wall of the bracket.
 8. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a top wall supporting the upper planar portion of the plate, and a depending wall extending downwardly from the top wall and adjacent to the at least one side portion of the plate.
 9. The shelf of claim 8, wherein the depending wall of the bracket extends substantially perpendicularly from the top wall.
 10. The shelf of claim 8 further comprising at least one stopper integrally formed with the plate for preventing sliding of the plate relative to the bracket in a given direction.
 11. The shelf of claim 8, wherein the depending wall of the bracket comprises at least one elongated lateral slot formed through the depending wall.
 12. The shelf of claim 11 further comprising a cross-brace attached to the bracket for enhancing the strength of the depending wall of the bracket.
 13. The shelf of claim 11, wherein the side portion of the plate comprises at least one through hole in substantially alignment with the elongated lateral slot.
 14. The shelf of claim 11 further comprising a fixing member configured to extend through the at least one elongated lateral slot and attached to the depending wall of the bracket, the fixing member being configured to move along the elongated lateral slot.
 15. The shelf of claim 13 further comprising a fixing member configured to extend through the at least one elongated lateral slot and the at least one through hole, the fixing member being configured to move along the elongated lateral slot.
 16. The shelf of claim 8, wherein the depending wall of the bracket comprises at least one through hole and the side portion of the plate comprises at least one through hole in substantially alignment with the at least one through hole of the depending wall of the bracket.
 17. The shelf of claim 16 further comprising a fixing member extending through the at least one through hole of the depending wall of the bracket and the at least one through hole of the side portion of the plate, for fixing the depending wall of the bracket to the side portion of the plate.
 18. A refrigerator comprising: at least one storing compartment; and at least one shelf disposed in the compartment, comprising: a plate comprising a lower planar portion and an upper planar portion substantially surrounding the lower planar portion to define a central recess, the plate further comprising at least one side portion extending downwardly from the upper planar portion; and at least one bracket coupled to the plate for supporting the plate.
 19. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein the plate comprises a glass pane, the lower planar portion, the upper planar portion and the at least one side portion of the glass pane being formed through a glass-slumping process.
 20. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein the at least one side portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the upper planar portion.
 21. The refrigerator of claim 20, wherein the bracket comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and a bottom wall connecting the inner wall and the outer wall.
 22. The refrigerator of claim 21, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are substantially parallel to the at least one side portion of the plate and spaced from each other, for defining a space to receive the at least one side portion.
 23. The refrigerator of claim 22, wherein the inner wall of the bracket comprises a sloped terminal portion extending inwardly and upwardly from the inner wall.
 24. The refrigerator of claim 18 further comprising a cross-brace attached to the bracket for enhancing the strength of a depending wall of the bracket.
 25. The refrigerator of claim 18, wherein the bracket comprises a top wall supporting the upper planar portion of the plate, and a depending wall extending downwardly from the top wall and adjacent to the at least one side portion of the plate.
 26. The refrigerator of claim 25, wherein the depending wall of the bracket extends substantially perpendicularly from the top wall.
 27. The refrigerator of claim 25 further comprising at least one stopper integrally formed with the plate for preventing sliding of the plate relative to the bracket in a given direction.
 28. The refrigerator of claim 25, wherein the depending wall of the bracket comprises at least one elongated lateral slot formed through the depending wall.
 29. The refrigerator of claim 28 further comprising a cross-brace attached to the bracket for enhancing the strength of the depending wall of the bracket.
 30. The refrigerator of claim 28, wherein the side portion of the plate comprises at least one through hole in substantially alignment with the elongated lateral slot.
 31. The refrigerator of claim 28 further comprising a fixing member configured to extend through the at least one elongated lateral slot and attached to the depending wall of the bracket, the fixing member being configured to move along the elongated lateral slot.
 32. The refrigerator of claim 30 further comprising a fixing member configured to extend through the at least one elongated lateral slot and the at least one through hole, the fixing member being configured to move along the elongated lateral slot.
 33. The refrigerator of claim 25, wherein the depending wall of the bracket comprises at least one through hole and the side portion of the plate comprises at least one through hole in substantially alignment with the at least one through hole of the depending wall of the bracket.
 34. The refrigerator of claim 33 further comprising a fixing member extending through the at least one through hole of the depending wall of the bracket and the at least one through hole of the side portion of the plate, for fixing the depending wall of the bracket to the side portion of the plate. 